Endoscopic balloon catheter

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for merging a balloon catheter onto a locked guidewire. In one implementation, a balloon catheter may include an inflatable balloon affixed thereto and a slit extending from a distal end of a guidewire lumen to a position proximal of the balloon. The slit may be widened by a working member of an adapter to allow passage of the locked guidewire into the guidewire lumen of the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter may be merged onto the guidewire via the slit and delivered to the desired treatment device without requiring the guidewire to be unlocked. Advantageously, access to at least one desired treatment site may be maintained with the guidewire during merging of the balloon catheter.

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field[0001]The present disclosure generally relates to endoscopic balloon catheters and methods of use. More particularly, and without limitation, the disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for merging a balloon catheter onto a guidewire during an endoscopic procedure.Background Description[0002]Balloon catheters are commonly used in a variety of endoscopic procedures. For example, in an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure, a balloon catheter may be introduced over a guidewire through the working channel of a duodenosope into the biliary tree. The balloon may then be inflated and utilized for one or more operations, such as the removal of a stone or opening of a stricture.[0003]Prior to delivery of the balloon catheter, access to the treatment site must first be established to achieve placement of the guidewire. Often, a first device such as a cannula or a sphinceterotome is introduced through the ampullary o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent describes an endoscopic balloon catheter that can be easily introduced onto a fixed or locked guidewire for delivery to a treatment site during an endoscopic procedure. The catheter includes a flexible, elongated catheter body with an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen, an inflatable balloon affixed to the catheter body, and a slit that extends from the distal end of the guidewire lumen along at least a portion of its length to a position proximal of the balloon. An adapter is also provided that merges the catheter onto a guidewire by widening a portion of the slit with a wedge. The technical effect of this invention is that it provides a simple and effective way to deliver a balloon catheter to a treatment site during an endoscopic procedure.

Problems solved by technology

Currently, techniques for delivering balloon catheters over guidewires provide the physician limited control of the guidewire.

This unlocking and re-locking of the guidewire can result in movement or displacement of the distal end of the guidewire and thus loss of access to the treatment site.

Additionally, this process is time- and energy-consuming for the physician or practitioner.

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